Health 101: Best Ways to Start the Day Based on Indian Ancient Rituals

On the last trip to the bookstore, I had to hold of several Indian-related historical books (one is a history of Ashoka the Great with more than 1,000 pages) for a steal. The other is a book on the Ayurveda diet & medicine which has a great deal of food diet for multiple shows. Image source: Pexel / Elias Tigiser

Read these first:-

• Health 101: Understanding Ancient Ayurvedic’s 3 Main Doshas
• Health 101: Brisk Walking – Pushing Hard For Minimum 10,000 Steps Daily
• Health 101: Early Morning Easy Yoga Routines
• Health 101: Accurate Computing Bad Calories To Burn Everyday

Disclaimer: the content of this blog was extracted from various sources on the internet and consolidated using AI tools.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find the time and space to start our day on the right note. My own morning routine starts at about 5 am on working days and if I am not too tired, I push myself for a 30-minute yoga session. Then it is off to the bathroom to get ready for work and leave home before the traffic gets insane.

However, after further reading on Ayurveda, it seems that incorporating ancient Indian rituals into our morning routine can help us cultivate a sense of calm, focus, and well-being.

Indian culture is rich in ancient practices that have been passed down through generations, offering valuable insights into how to begin each day with intention and purpose. Based on some of the suggested methods, I am planning to incorporate some of the following best ways to start the day based on Indian ancient rituals.

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The sound of OM or AUM is to be the sound of the universe, as it resonates with the frequency of the Earth’s rotation. According to some studies, chanting Om can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve concentration, calm the nervous system, and stimulate the brain regions.

Indian Mantras

It is said that affirmations and mantras are powerful tools for setting a positive tone for the day.

By repeating uplifting phrases or sacred sounds, we can shift our mindset and invite positivity into our lives. Choose a mantra that resonates with you, such as “Om” or “Sat Chit Ananda” (existence, consciousness, bliss). It is said that spending a few moments in the morning reciting the chosen mantra, allows its vibrations to permeate one’s being.

The sound of Om definitely has a solid punch when you listen to it in a bass mode in a quiet environment. I already picked some mantras namely the evergreen “Om” or mantras or relaxing music to be played on my Spotify to be heard in my spare time especially when the stress level is highest.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice that has been revered in Indian culture for centuries. By quieting the mind and focusing inward, it is said that meditation cultivates a sense of peace and clarity. Best if one can find a comfortable spot to do the meditation and all one needs to do thereafter is to close the eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Adding guided meditations or mindfulness apps will enhance the meditation session.

Meditation in essence is a mental exercise that involves focusing on a particular object, such as the breath, and returning to it whenever the mind wanders. In the short term, meditation is said to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve attention, and even make one make smarter choices.

One key component of meditation is the breathing and breathing in the correct way. Great information on the right way of doing a meditation. Image source: Business Insider

Some studies even claim that meditation is able to change the expression of our genes, reducing inflammation and enhancing DNA stability. In the long term, meditation can increase the density of grey matter in areas related to memory and emotional processing, boost mindfulness, empathy, and compassion, and help to regulate thoughts and emotions.

Meditation works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and healing, and deactivating the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for stress and arousal. Meditation also rewires our brain circuits, creating new connections and strengthening existing ones. This process is known as neuroplasticity, which means that the brain can be deeply transformed by experience.

Meditation is a simple yet powerful tool that anyone can use to enhance their health and happiness. Even just a few minutes of meditation each morning can make a significant difference in one’s overall well-being.

Yoga and Stretching

Yoga is a holistic Indian practice that combines physical movement, breath control, and meditation. By starting the day with a gentle yoga routine or a few simple stretches, one can awaken the body and invigorate the mind. Focus on deepening the breath and connecting with the body’s sensations. This practice not only enhances flexibility and strength but also promotes a sense of balance and harmony within.

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Clearly, this video shows that oil pulling did not make any difference despite doing it for 35 days. My take on this practice is that the ancients did not have any mouthwash in the past so they opted for oil pulling using the substance that they have in abundance namely coconut oil which is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties. 

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil (usually coconut or sesame oil) in your mouth for several minutes. This technique helps remove toxins from the body and promotes oral hygiene. Frankly speaking, this is a technique that I have not tried and I may not do it as we now have modern mouthwash.

To incorporate oil pulling into your morning routine, simply take a tablespoon of oil, swish it around the mouth, and spit it out after 15-20 minutes. Remember not to swallow the oil as it may contain toxins. Some recommend doing this once a day for only 1-2 weeks per month.

Scientifically. there is little evidence of the benefits of oil pulling and some even compared it to modern mouthwashes. Some even warned that oil pulling does not replace the daily act of brushing & flossing the teeth.

Herbal Infusions

Indian culture has a long history of using herbs and spices for their medicinal properties. Starting the day with a cup of herbal infusion can provide numerous health benefits. Some popular options include tulsi (holy basil) tea for stress relief, ginger tea for digestion, or turmeric milk for its anti-inflammatory properties.

I usually start off the day with just a cup of warm water which does wonders for the indigestion system. According to Ayurveda, water should be consumed at a warm or hot temperature, preferably after boiling it to purify it and infuse it with energy which in turn has several health benefits, namely:-

• It boosts your metabolism and digestion by stimulating your appetite and supporting your digestive fire (Agni).
• It flushes out toxins (Ama) from your body and cleanses your bladder and urinary tract.
• It improves your skin health and appearance by hydrating and nourishing your cells.
• It reduces inflammation and pain by soothing your throat and alleviating Vata and Kapha disorders.
• It enhances your immunity and prevents infections by fighting against cold, cough, fever and other respiratory problems.

In the evening, perhaps herbal tea infused with ginger, cinnamon & cardamom does wonders for the body & the soul.

Not sure if this was from William Shakespeare but it does make one ponder that you don’t need something big or drastic to be grateful. There are so many simple things in life that we often overlook but it makes a huge difference for others. Image source: IFunny

Gratitude Practice

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a powerful way to shift our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in our lives. Take a few moments each morning to reflect on the things you are grateful for. You can write them down in a gratitude journal or simply say them out loud. This practice helps foster a positive mindset and sets the tone for a day filled with appreciation and contentment.

This is very true considering there is always something positive to look out for even on a gloomy day. Starting from your health, your family’s health, and money in your pocket to something trivial like the car battery is still working.

Final Say

Incorporating Indian ancient rituals into our morning routine can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. By starting the day with affirmations, meditation, yoga, oil pulling, herbal infusions, and gratitude practice, we can create a foundation of calm, focus, and positivity.

These will make some difference especially when one is no longer young but increasingly facing a more stressful environment both at home & in the workplace.